Chrysler 392 Early Hemi V8 HEI Distributor

This HEI-style distributor is built specifically for the Chrysler Early Hemi (FirePower, Gen I) V8 — 392 CID only. It integrates a magnetic trigger and a 65,000-volt internal coil, so there's no external coil or ignition box to source separately.

This distributor is not compatible with the 331 or 354 early Hemi, or with the 426 Hemi (Gen II) or modern Hemi engines — it fits the 392 FirePower exclusively. It also will not fit low-deck blocks. Confirm your specific early Hemi displacement before ordering, since the 331, 354, and 392 use different deck heights and distributor drive requirements.

 

This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. It is not compatible with generator-based charging systems or vehicles still running a ballast resistor in the ignition circuit — the ballast resistor must be removed or bypassed before installation. Since the factory '57–'58 vehicles this engine came in were already built with 12-volt systems, most factory applications won't need a separate 12V conversion; this note primarily applies to earlier 6-volt vehicles receiving a 392 as a swap.

Factory vehicle applications for the 392 include the 1957–1958 Chrysler 300, Imperial, Newport, New Yorker, and Town & Country.

Performance Benefit
The 65,000-volt internal coil delivers stronger spark output than the factory points-style ignition originally used on these engines, supporting easier cold starts and more consistent spark across the RPM range. Both mechanical and vacuum advance are included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped in the box so the advance curve can be tuned for your specific engine and driving conditions.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER EARLY HEMI V8 (FIREPOWER – GEN I)
• 6.4L / 392 in³

NOTES
• Fits Chrysler FirePower Early Hemi V8 392ci engines in 1957–1958 applications only.
• Not compatible with earlier Chrysler Early Hemi engines (331ci, 354ci) — those engines use a different distributor.
Not compatible with Chrysler 426 Hemi Gen. II (1966–1971).
• Not compatible with Gen. III Hemi (5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L) — modern Hemi engines are not distributor-based.
• Will not fit low deck blocks.
• Designed for carbureted HEI ignition systems only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator. 
• It is not compatible with a generator and cannot be used with a ballast resistor.
• Distributor gear compatibility should be verified with camshaft material prior to installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Chrysler 300C / 300D (392, 1957–1958)
Chrysler Imperial (392, 1957–1958)
Chrysler Newport (392, 1957–1958)
Chrysler New Yorker (392, 1957–1958)
Chrysler Town & Country (392, 1957–1958)

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Style: Magnetic
Distributor Type: HEI
Color: Red, Black, Orange
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Cap Style: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: Yes
Coil Type: Internal
Required Coil Output: 65,000+ Volts
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Included: Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool, Installation Instructions